Northeast Field Guide, Version 1.6
January 2002
APPENDIX 12 – SPECIAL STUDIES
Field Instructions for Pennsylvania’s Regeneration Assessment
Overview -- The regeneration assessment is being conducted in Pennsylvania
at the request of the State’s forestry community. There is concern that
regeneration is lacking in many stands and with over half of the State’s forests
in a financially mature condition, this is a critically important issue. The
regeneration data will provide answers to questions about advance
regeneration, post-disturbance regeneration, and future forest composition.
The data will be used to quantify regeneration adequacy statewide, provide
estimates of numbers of seedlings per acre, and for research into regeneration
dynamics. Regeneration plots are selected prior to the field season and are
visited during the leaf-on season from June through September.
The figure below summarizes measurements needed for the regeneration
assessment. Data are collected at three levels: the entire sample plot, the
subplot, and the microplot. The competing vegetation and regeneration
tallies should be completed for all accessible forest land conditions that
are encountered.
Plot Level
Sample Plot
Deer Impact: Record one of five classes:
Very Low
Low
Medium
High
Very High
Microplot Level
Site Limitations
Dominant Tree: If present, record the species of the
most dominant growing-stock tree at
least 5.0 inches in diameter.
Subplot Level
Site Limitations
Seedling Tally: Count all established seedlings by:
Competing Vegetation: Assign percent cover classes
to species/life form.
Species
Species/Life Form
Shrubs
Vines
Rhizomous fern
Other fern
Grass and forbes
Other herbaceous
Seedling Source
Stump sprout
Other seedling
Competitive oak, hickory, walnut, or butternut seedling
Height Class
2 inches to 6 inches
6 inches to 1 foot
1 foot to 3 feet
Percent Cover Class
Numbers of Stems
283
3 feet to 5 feet
5 feet to 10 feet
Greater than10 feet
A12 – PA Regen
Northeast Field Guide, Version 1.6
January 2002
PLOT DATA
State, Unit, County, and Plot Number -- Refer to Chapter 3 of this field
guide.
Month/Day/Year -- Refer to Chapter 3 of this field guide.
Deer Impact -- Estimate the amount of browsing pressure that deer are
exerting on regeneration. Deer impact is a function of deer population and the
amount of available food sources within one-square mile surrounding the plot.
Code
1
2
3
4
5
Definition
Very Low - Plot is inside a well-maintained deer exclosure.
Low - No browsing observed, vigorous seedlings present (no
deer exclosure present).
Medium - Browsing evidence observed but not common,
seedlings present.
High - Browsing evidence common OR seedlings are rare.
Very High - Browsing evidence omnipresent OR forest floor
bare, severe browse line.
Degree of deer browsing can be a difficult variable to quantify due to
preferences that deer have for various food sources and the elusive nature of
deer populations. Although not a complete list of species in Pennsylvania, the
following deer preference list may be useful for assigning deer impact:
Species
Browse Preference
Tolerance of Browsing
Black Cherry
L
L
Fern
L
H
Grass & Sedge
L-M
H
Striped Maple
L-M
H
American Beech
M
H
Birches
H
M
Oak
H
M-H
Hickory
H
M-H
Ash
H
M
Rubus spp.
H
M-H
Pin Cherry
H
L
Red Maple
H
L
Sugar Maple
H
L
Yellow-poplar
H
L
Cucumbertree
H
L
Eastern Hemlock
H
L
284
A12 – PA Regen
Northeast Field Guide, Version 1.6
January 2002
In addition, a handout showing the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s
estimates of deer density by county will be provided. Deer densities in excess
of 20 deer per square mile of forest are generally considered to inhibit the
development of tree seedlings.
SUBPLOT DATA -- Complete the subplot data for all forested conditions.
Subplot Number -- Record the code corresponding to the subplot number.
Condition Class Number -- Record the corresponding condition class
number.
Site Limitations -- Record site limitation codes 2 and 3 if they occur on at
least 30 percent of the subplot or condition area, else record as code 1.
1
2
3
No site limitations
Rocky surface with little or no soil
Water-saturated soil (during the growing season)
Competing Vegetation -- Assign percent cover classes to species/life forms
within the subplot. The sum of the percent cover classes may exceed 100
percent. For subplots with more than one condition, only record percent cover
for the portion of the subplot in the condition. For example, if 50 percent of
the subplot is in a condition and is entirely covered with Rubus spp., record 99
for percent cover class (100 percent cover).
Species/Life Form
001
002
003
004
Deciduous Shrubs, all valid NEFIA species codes (see
Appendix 4)
Evergreen Shrubs, all valid NEFIA species codes (see
Appendix 4)
Vines, all valid NEFIA species codes (see Appendix 4)
Rhizomous Fern, including Bracken, Hay-scented, and New
York
Other Fern
Grass
Other Herbaceous
285
A12 – PA Regen
Northeast Field Guide, Version 1.6
January 2002
Percent Cover Class – Assign a cover class to each species or life form.
Code
01
10
20
30
40
Definition
1 to 9 percent
10 to 19 percent
20 to 29 percent
30 to 39 percent
40 to 49 percent
Code
50
60
70
80
90
Definition
50 to 59 percent
60 to 69 percent
70 to 79 percent
80 to 89 percent
90 to 100 perecnt
As an aid in determining percent cover, consider that one-percent cover of the
24-foot radius subplot is equivalent to a square 4.2 feet on each side or a
circle with a radius of 2.4 feet. Ten percent cover is equivalent to a square
13.4 feet on each side or a circle with a radius of 7.6 feet.
MICROPLOT DATA -- Complete the microplot data for microplots within
accessible forest land.
Microplot Number -- Record the code corresponding to the microplot
number (same as subplot number).
Microplot Center Condition Class -- Record the corresponding condition
class number.
Site Limitations -- Record the following site limitation if it dominates the area
of the microplot or condition:
1
2
3
4
No site limitation
Rocky surface with little or no soil
Water-saturated soil (during the growing season)
Thick duff layer (in excess of two-inches thick)
Dominant Tree -- Record the presence/absence of at least one growing-stock
tree 5.0-inches or larger in diameter at breast height on the microplot or
condition by recording species code. If there are no such trees, record as
“000.” If more than one such tree is present, record the species code of the
tree with the largest diameter.
Tree and Seedling Data -- Tally all established seedlings (<1.0-inch DBH)
for stems rooted within the microplot by species, seedling source, and height
class.
Count all seedlings at least 2-inches tall with at least two normal-sized leaves
that do not still bear cotyledons.
For most species encountered, the tug test should be used to determine if
seedlings are established. Seedlings that slip out of the ground with a slight
286
A12 – PA Regen
Northeast Field Guide, Version 1.6
January 2002
tug do generally not have sufficient root systems to survive through the
growing season and are not established.
•
Small oak, hickory, walnut, and butternut seedlings (less than 1-foot
tall) should be at least 6-inches tall or have a root-collar diameter
(RCD) of at least 0.20 inches.
•
Pine seedlings should have at least two whorls or be at least 6-inches
tall.
Species -- Record valid NE-FIA tree species code (see Appendix 4).
Seedling Source -- Discriminate between stump sprouts and other seedlings.
Tally clumps of stump sprouts as one seedling and tally only the tallest, most
dominant sprout for each stump. Tally sprouts on stumps that originate from
cutting or mortality only. Stumps must be at least 2 inches in diameter to
qualify as having sprouts.
A special code (3) is used for oak, hickory, walnut, and butternut that are
classified as “competitive.” Research indicates that competitive seedlings are
highly likely to become dominant or codominant stems in the next stand. To
be classified as competitive, stems must have an RCD > 0.75 inches. In
situations with relatively high tally, it should only be necessary to check a few
RCD’s.
Code
1
2
3
Definition
Stump sprout
Other seedling
Competitive oak, hickory, walnut, or butternut seedling
Height Class – Each seedling is assigned a height class.
Code
1
2
3
Definition
2 inches to 6 inches
6 inches to 1 foot
1 foot to 3 feet
Code
4
5
6
Definition
3 feet to 5 feet
5 feet to 10 feet
Greater than 10 feet
Numbers of Stems -- Record the number of tree seedlings in each category
described by species, seedling source, and height class. The first five
seedlings of each species must be counted precisely. Counts above five may
be estimated. In the case of beech root suckers, count all individuals unless
they arise from a single root node, in which case they should be counted as a
single stem.
287
PLOT #
MONTH
DAY
YEAR
DEER
IMPACT
XXXX
XX
XX
XXXX
X
PERECNT COVER
CLASS
MICROPLOT #
MICRO CENTER
COND CLASS #
SITE LIMITATIONS
DOMINANT TREE
SPECIES
SEEDLING SOURCE
HEIGHT CLASS
NUMBERS OF STEMS
X
XXX
SPECIES/LIFE FORM
CONDITION CLASS #
X
COUNTY
UNIT
X
SITE LIMITATIONS
STATE
XX
SUBPLOT #
A12 – PA Regen
Northeast Field Guide, Version 1.6
January 2002
X
XXX
XX
X
X
X
XXX
XXX
X
X
XXXX
288
2
6 in - 1 ft
6
1
2
2 - 6 in
6 in - 1 ft
289
6
1
2 - 6 in
> 10 ft
5 - 10 ft
3 - 5 ft
1 - 3 ft
6 in - 1 ft
5
> 10 ft
Stump Sprouts (1)
3
4
5 - 10 ft
3 - 5 ft
1 - 3 ft
5
> 10 ft
Other Seedlings (2)
3
4
5 - 10 ft
3 - 5 ft
1 - 3 ft
1
2 - 6 in
SPECIES
POINT #
Height Class
Competitive oak, hickory, walnut, butternut (3)
2
3
4
5
6
A12 – DRB Soils
Northeast Field Guide, Version 1.6
January 2002
Soil Sampling Protocols for the Delaware River Basin Study
Site selection – A single soil pit will be dug at each mid-point of each of the three
“spokes” defined by the line connecting the center points of each FIA sub-plot. If all
four subplots are not in forest, dig the three soil pits in the vicinity of the subplot or
subplots that are forested. If none of the subplots are in forest, do not collect any
soil at the plot. The forest and forest floor conditions at the pit should be roughly
(visually) representative of the forest conditions measured in the plots.
Sampling protocol for each pit –
•
Dig a small pit to a depth that is about 6 inches below the bottom of the
organic-rich surface horizon that is identified by its black or blackish-gray color,
high root density and high organic-matter content. The underlying mineral soil
will have a color that will range from dark brown to redish-orange or a pinkish
hue. Put all the excavated soil and rocks in a neat pile that will not
contaminate a large area around the pit, and will make refilling the pit
convenient.
•
Clean off the pit face with a trowel. On that pit face measure and record the
depth of the black surface horizon. Make sure that footprints haven’t
compressed the face that you are measuring.
•
Using a trowel, clean all the loose soil out of the bottom of the pit, being
particularly careful to remove all the black soil that fell in from the surface
horizon. Then collect 2-3 cups of sample from the bottom of the pit that
approximately represents the layer that is 4-8 inches below the bottom of the
organic surface horizon. Put the soil into a plastic bag and label the bag with
site ID, date, plot ID, collection date, and “10-20 cm” (i.e., the depth of the
sample).
•
Then use the trowel excavate 2-3 cups of soil from the cleaned off face from
the layer that is 0-4 inches below the organic surface horizon. Be careful not to
mix any of the surface horizon into this sample. If you are not completely
certain where the surface horizon stops and the mineral horizon begins, move
down into the mineral soil before sampling until you are certain that you are not
in the organic surface horizon. Label this bag with the site ID, plot ID,
collection date, and “0-10 cm” representing the upper B-horizon. Fill in the
sample form and place in a separate plastic bag, then put the bagged form into
one of the sample bags for that plot.
•
If time and digging allow, USGS would like a deeper sample at each pit. You
would get that sample by digging the pit 8-10” deep, and collecting a sample
from the bottom of the pit that would be labeled with the depth at which you
take the sample (i.e., “20-25cm’, or “30-35cm”, etc). Then collect the 0-10 cm
and 10-20cm samples from the pit face. Note the depth of the deeper soil
sample on the field form.
290
A12 – DRB Soils
Northeast Field Guide, Version 1.6
January 2002
•
To sample the surface organic horizon, pick an area that appears
representative and use the FHM protocols for collecting the forest floor
and organic horizon sample (i.e., collect a litter sample and an OA
sample separately—we haven’t been using the calibrated squares for this
but I’m hoping to start). Inspect each sample to ensure that no mineral
soil is included. Collect 3-5 cups, and place in the plastic bag with the
filled-out sample form (again the form should be in a separate bag to
avoid getting it wet from the sample).
•
Fill in the required information on the subplot form.
•
Backfill the pit, and repeat at the midpoint of the other 2 spokes.
•
*IMPORTANT* Unseal the bags when you return from the field to allow
the soil to dry.
Storage/transfer protocol – The USGS will arrange to periodically retrieve
the samples from the FIA field crew. Logistics for this step will depend on the
location of the field crew’s home base and the storage space available at that
base. The samples have to be stored open to the air in a dry place until
complete drying can be accomplished. We could build a drying rack for a
barn or garage if one is available, where the samples could stay till they are
picked up by the USGS.
Tools/materials – Tools required are a shovel, a trowel, a marking pen and a
ruler. If these are not standard equipment for the FIA field crew we will make
arrangements to provide those tools. A soil auger for each crew will be
provided if needed. Sample bags are standard gallon-size freezer bags-- we
will provide those. We will also provide a drying rack if needed.
Training – The USGS will meet with the field team if desired and demonstrate
the procedures recommended above. The USGS will have all responsibility
for the samples and field data after they are retrieved.
291
A12 – DRB Soils
Northeast Field Guide, Version 1.6
January 2002
DRB SOIL SAMPLE COLLECTION FORM
PAGE 1
Plot ID_______________________
FIA Station ID_______________________ Date: ________________________
Weather: raining recently rained dry
Bedrock Depth (if reached):_____
Samples collected: Sample 1 (spoke 1-2): O-Hor 0-10cm 10-20cm 20-30cm
30-40cm 40
______cm
Sample 2 (spoke 1-3): O-Hor 0-10cm 10-20cm 20-30cm
30-40cm 40
______cm
Sample 3 (spoke 1-4): O-Hor 0-10cm 10-20cm 20-30cm
40-C Deep ______cm
Thickness of Organic Horizon:
Sample 1 (spoke 1-2): 0.1’ 0.2’ 0.3’ Other______
Sample 2 (spoke 1-3): 0.1’ 0.2’ 0.3’ Other______
Sample 3 (spoke 1-4): 0.1’
0.2’ 0.3’ Other______
Soil Moisture, Organic sample:
wet (1) (2) (3) moist (1) (2) (3) dry (1) (2) (3)
0-10 cm sample:
wet (1) (2) (3) moist (1) (2) (3) dry (1) (2) (3)
10-20 cm sample: wet (1) (2) (3) moist (1) (2) (3) dry (1) (2) (3)
20-30 cm sample: wet (1) (2) (3) moist (1) (2) (3) dry (1) (2) (3)
30-40 cm sample: wet (1) (2) (3) moist (1) (2) (3) dry (1) (2) (3)
40-C cm sample: wet (1) (2) (3) moist (1) (2) (3) dry (1) (2) (3)
Deep (________cm): wet (1) (2) (3) moist (1) (2) (3) dry (1) (2) (3)
Soil description: (lots of rocks? Fragipan present?, etc)
Deep Sample O________________________________________
0-10 cm _____________________________________
10-20cm______________________________________
20-30cm______________________________________
30-40cm______________________________________
40-Ccm_______________________________________
292
20-30cm 30
A12 – DRB Soils
Northeast Field Guide, Version 1.6
January 2002
DRB SOIL SAMPLE COLLECTION FORM
PAGE 2
Sample 2: O-Horizon____________________________________
0-10 cm _____________________________________
10-20cm______________________________________
20-30cm______________________________________
30-40cm______________________________________
40-Ccm______________________________________
Deep_______________________________________
Sample 3: O-Horizon___________________________________
0-10 cm _____________________________________
10-20cm______________________________________
20-30cm______________________________________
30-40cm______________________________________
40-Ccm______________________________________
Deep_______________________________________
Dominant tree species:
Dominant understory species:
Position of samples:
Sample 1 (spoke 1-2): Mid-point of spoke
Sample 2 (spoke 1-3): Mid-point of spoke
Sample 3 (spoke 1-4): Mid-point of spoke
Other:__________
Other:__________
Other:__________
Comments:__________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Soil Column drawing:
293
A12 – DRB Soils
Northeast Field Guide, Version 1.6
January 2002
294